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What us BARBZ Already Knew…

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When most of America heard the news that Nicki Minaj was going to be a judge on this seasons American Idol, some were skeptical, "what does a rapper know about a singing competition?" They quipped. Some even speculated the animated rapper was chosen soley for shock value, a guarantee to gain publicity for the shows dwindling viewership. Fast forward a month into the 12th season, with the shows highest ratings yet, the naysayers have been forced to recant their opinions. Seems the folks at FOX knew exactly what they were doing. Not only is Nicki Minaj funny, she seems to be mirroring former Idol Judge Simon Cowell, giving frank, sometimes brutal but always honest solid advice that contestants and viewers can apply to real world situations.

Rob Sheffield of Rolling Stone, recently penned an opt-ed article titled 'She's the best of Simon and Paula in one candy-colored package.' Where he posed the question "Why is Nicki Minaj the best judge American Idol has ever had?" Answering, he states: "It's deceptively simple: She is the only judge in Idol history who ever had the chance to see the show before she got famous. So she knows what it's like to watch Idol as a fan… Minaj comes off as sincere and devoid of bullshit, zeroing in on the right contestants. She seems like the smartest person in the room… Minaj is the main reason Idol is kicking off its freshest season in years. She brings a whole new level of gung-ho dementia to the latest makeover." UH! DUhhh!!!!

Take for example, the curt idol contestant Matheus Fernandes (rewind a few weeks back Barbz), who continued to poke fun at his height (or lack thereof). Nicki, who refused to rsvp to his pity-party snapped "you were sort of making reference to your height. Sometimes things can go from being inspiring, to like you wanting a pity party, and once you're great, we don't even notice your height. You don't have to milk that ever again. Be you, be great, and just rest in your talent after today." Then, contestant Paul Jolley mentioned he was "nervous," before belting out a rendition of Carrie Underwood's "Blown Away.' Nicki snapped back "just give us one minute of professionalism, It's one minute for you to come onstage and take that off of your face." Woah! Head BARB is definitely not into sugar-coating things. Which is a good, if not a great thing…But WE already knew that. Folks have to remember this is a competition, based on preparation, consistency, and talent, which Nicki has been consistently reminding the contestants, what we all know, but may have forgotten: "Hard work beats Talent when talent doesn't Work hard."

Back to Rob Sheffield's article…He goes on to say "It's Minaj who deserves all the credit for firing up the singers and revitalizing the format. She combines the best judging attributes of both Simon (sensible, hard to con, immune to sob stories) and Paula (unpredictable, silly voices). If she can keep it up for the next few months, this might turn out to be Idol's finest hour." Ya think?! Tune in to American Idol Wednesdays and Thursdays on FOX.